If video games are escapism, then role-playing games are the endpoint of that idea. These are the games that truly do allow us to inhabit the bodies of characters and grow them according to our own whims and desires. Role-playing games also happen to come in a variety of flavours to suit any palette, whether they be meaty mechanical beasts that we can tinker with or more subtle character-driven experiences that task the player with finding a path that suits their specific tastes of engagement. These, are the best RPGs of 2019.

When you look at a sequel, the recipe for success is easy: More of the good stuff, please. That alone makes for a great foundation to build on, tweak and improve, but what if you’re after more? Those sequels which do go above and beyond aren’t rare in this day and cautious age, but real cream of the crop are the games which push their source media material to new heights not just mechanically but emotionally as well. These, are the best sequels of 2019.

There’s no overall winner for 2019’s glorious soundtracks, but there are multiple champions! Video game scores which we’ve had repeat since the year kicked off, worn out headsets listening to and have made streaming service subscriptions aThese are the soundtracks that moved us, that opened our hearts and are responsible for a hole in our floor thanks to rhythmic foot tapping to the various beats that they introduced. Here’s the best in video game music for 2019. worthwhile investment for us. Here’s the best in video game music for 2019.

Once again, the year that was 2019 was a showcase for the scene that rolled out hit after hit with nary a break to catch your breath between each release. Here’s a look at the best indie games of 2019.

There’s an old saying that the journey is better than the destination, and I can’t think of a better example of video games to prove the old adage right. As a medium that allows for a beginning, many sidequest middles and an ending, video games have the power to create incredibly satisfying journeys that’ll last for many an hour before the end credits finally roll. Here’s a look then, at the best adventures of the year.

1MORE has impressed with its range of headphones and in-ears that aim to make audiophile (or at least, audiophile adjacent) equipment a little more affordable. That, of course, doesn’t mean cheap. 1MORE uses quality components and exceptional design to deliver superlative audio gear for a discerning listener who can’t afford the top-shelf stuff, or audiophiles who want something they can lug about with them without having to worry about increased personal insurance premiums.

Here’s a look at the very best in strategy games, that got us using our noodles and clicking more than ever throughout 2019.

As a stopgap between Darksiders 3 and the eventual Darksiders 4, Genesis scratches an itch in an unconventional manner that deserves some appreciation for trying something new along the way. Even if I do need to strap a pair of binoculars to my face to see what I’m doing.